Taste the New Forest this Autumn

BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Oct. 1, 2021 - PRLog -- As summer becomes a distant memory, the evenings draw in, and October and the harvest season arrives, there are still plenty of good reasons to visit the New Forest as it explodes into colour, and it is a particularly good time of year for foodies.

From now until November, the pannage continues, a traditional practice in the New Forest, where pigs are released out on to the forest floors to eat up acorns, and other nuts, that are poisonous to the ponies and cattle roaming free.

The New Forest is now one of the only areas in the UK that still practices pannage. You can try Pannage Pork later in the winter, by purchasing from local butchers or farm shops, or trying it in delicious dishes at local pubs and restaurants.

There are around 2,700 different species of mushroom and fungi that can be found in the New Forest, and it is in October in particular, that you can spot the mushrooms and fungi emerging across the forest floor and on fallen trees.

Visitors are encouraged not to pick or eat any mushrooms or fungi that are found, but it is possible to book guided fungi tours with the experts in the New Forest to learn more.

October is also an ideal time to head out on a long walk, exploring the nature and wildlife in the forest and coming across lots of stunning sights, then heading to a local cafe or tea-room for a cup of tea and a slice of cake, or filling up on a full-English breakfast or doorstop sandwich.  There are many good cafes and tearooms dotted around the forest, so wherever you choose to go walking, there's sure to be one nearby.

Alternatively, wrap up warm and pack up a picnic, full of delicious local produce – widely available in village and town shops – and head out into the forest for a peaceful autumn picnic (don't forget to take a flask of tea or hot chocolate, to keep warm!).

Pumpkins are one of the main local crops that grow across forest farms in October, and most welcome visitors to come and enjoy pumpkin picking.

At Sunnyfields Farm there is a huge pumpkin festival that takes place each year, where you can go and pick your own pumpkin and enjoy lots of other Halloween fun and local produce whilst there. You can also pick pumpkins at Cat & Fiddle Farm and Sopley Farm.  For full details of all things pumpkin in the New Forest CLICK HERE (https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/food-and-drink/local-produ...).

For more ideas of things to do, places to eat and where to stay in the New Forest this Autumn, visit www.thenewforest.co.uk.